Comprehensive Dental Care for Cats & Dogs
Routine pet dental care is essential for the oral and overall health of cats and dogs, but most pets do not receive the oral hygiene care they require to keep their teeth and gums healthy.
We provide complete dental care for your pet at our Douglasville veterinary hospital, from basic dental exams, teeth cleanings, and polishing to dental x-rays and surgeries.
We also make it a point to educate pet owners about how to care for their pets' teeth at home.
Dental Surgery in Douglasville
We understand how stressful it can be to learn that your pet requires dental surgery. We strive to make this a stress-free experience for both you and your pet.
We'll do everything we can to make your pet's stay with us as pleasant as possible. Before the procedure, we'll go over each step in detail with you, including the preparation and post-operative care requirements.
For dogs and cats, we provide jaw fracture repair surgeries, tooth extractions, and gum disease treatment.
Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams
Your dog or cat should have a dental examination at least once a year, just like you would at the dentist. Pets who are more prone to dental issues than others may require more frequent visits.
In cats and dogs, Douglasville Veterinary Hospital can assess, diagnose, and treat dental health issues.
- Symptoms
If you notice any of the following symptoms in your pet, it's time for a dental checkup.
- Tartar buildup
- Loose and/or broken teeth
- Extra teeth or retained baby teeth
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Bad breath
- Pain or swelling in or around the mouth
- Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
- Abnormal chewing, drooling or dropping food from the mouth
- Discolored teeth
- Assessment
Before the dental exam, your pet will undergo a thorough pre-anesthetic physical examination.
We will take blood and urine analyses to ensure it's safe for your pet to undergo anesthesia. Additional diagnostics, such as chest radiographs or an ECG may also be conducted.
We will perform a complete oral examination (tooth by tooth) and charting once your pet is anesthetized.
- Treatment
The teeth are then cleaned and polished, and x-rays are taken (including under the gum line). The fluoride treatment is then applied to each tooth.
The final step is to apply a dental sealant to prevent plaque from adhering to the enamel. The veterinarian will develop and discuss a treatment plan with you if advanced periodontal disease is discovered.
- Prevention
Two weeks after the initial assessment and treatment appointment, a follow-up examination should be scheduled.
We'll talk about how to brush your teeth at home during this appointment. We can also make recommendations for products that will help your pet's oral health.
FAQs About Pet Dental Care
Here are some of our patients' most frequently asked questions about pet dental care.
- Why do pets need their teeth cleaned?
As a result of poor oral hygiene, our pets can develop periodontal disease or tooth decay.
When animals eat, plaque adheres to their teeth, just like it does in humans, and if not brushed away regularly, tartar can form.
Infections in the mouth, periodontal disease, tooth decay, and even loose or missing teeth can all result from this. That's why, to avoid gum disease or pain, it's critical to see a dentist regularly.
- How can I tell if my pet has oral hygiene issues?
Did you know that your behavior could be a sign of oral health issues? If your pet has dental problems, you may notice them drooling excessively (which may contain pus or blood) or pawing at their mouth or teeth. They may also yawn excessively, grind their teeth, or neglect to groom properly.
Bad breath, swollen gums, and tooth discoloration are also signs of oral health issues.
Some pets may even be in pain, preventing them from eating. To the left, under Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams, you can learn more about the symptoms.
- What long-term problems can poor oral health potentially cause in my pet?
Oral health issues and conditions can cause disease in the liver, kidney, heart, and other organs throughout your pet's body, in addition to cavities and bad breath.
Cysts or tumors can form. Your pet may also be in a bad mood (if you've ever had a toothache, you know how bad it can make you feel!). Furthermore, diseases associated with oral health issues can shorten your pet's lifespan and cause significant pain.
This is why dental care is so important for the physical health and well-being of animals.
- What happens during a pet tooth cleaning appointment?
During your pet's routine oral exam, the veterinarian will examine his or her mouth for any oral health issues or symptoms that require treatment.
Tartar and other debris will be removed from your cat's or dog's teeth by the veterinarian. If cavities, gingivitis, or other issues need to be addressed, the veterinarian will explain them to you and advise you on how to proceed.
Surgery will be required in some cases to treat serious conditions. Before their dental procedure, your pet will be given anesthesia to ensure that they are comfortable and pain-free. However, special attention will be required following surgery.
If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule a dental appointment with us.
- What should I do at home to keep my pet’s teeth clean between dental appointments?
Brush your pet's teeth regularly at home, and give them dental chew toys. These will aid in the removal of plaque.
Allow them to chew only on items that will not harm their teeth, such as bones, toys, or hard objects. If you have any questions or concerns about your pet's oral health, always contact your veterinarian.
Veterinary Dentistry: Anesthesia & Your Pet's Oral Health
Because cats and dogs don't understand what's going on during dental procedures, they often struggle or bite in response.
Our Douglasville vets administer anesthesia to all of our patients before performing dental procedures, similar to what dentists do for nervous or anxious patients. This causes the animals less stress and allows us to x-ray their mouth as needed.